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wir sind (old version in German)
The Heidelberg Entertainment Branch Roadside Theater is a part of the U.S. Army Garrison Heidelberg Morale, Welfare and Recreation program. For over 45 years, we have served servicemen, their families, civilians, and their invited guests in and around the Heidelberg area.
In 2005, the Mannheim Entertainment Branch Off Main Street Theatre, Coleman Barracks, Mannheim was combined with the Roadside Theater. The two programs now serve the Heidelberg and Mannheim Communities with three performance stages (unique to Army Entertainment world-wide), offering main stage productions, Dinner Theater and Cabaret Theater.
Our mission is to provide community members the opportunity to see and participate in a variety of outstanding theater productions and events. Additionally, the Roadside Theater assists the command in developing host nation relations through the participation of local citizens of all nationalities and important cultural exchange.
As a fully operating community theater, we offer a complete season of comedies, dramas, musicals and special events.
- Our Educational Wing presents classes and workshops for all ages in the theatrical arts taught by theatrical artists and professionals.
- Our Matinee Series for Youth presents unique, exciting and creative shows specifically designed for young people and families. Special school-age matinees are presented on Friday mornings and afternoons allowing local schools to bring their students to these performances during school hours.
- Our EFMP (Exceptional Family Member Program) Matinees are presented in conjunction with Army Community Services and is the first of its kind in US Army Entertainment world-wide. EFMP Matinees allow physically and mentally challenged family members of all ages and their families to attend live public performances - often for the first time - in a safe and supportive environment.
- The Summer Theater Workshop for Youth is offered each summer in partnership with Heidelberg Child & Youth Services. This two-week workshop is conducted by theater professionals and covers all aspects of the theatrical arts including acting, singing, dancing, technical theater and more.
- Our newly renovated Off Main Street Theatre, Coleman Barracks, Mannheim, offers dinner theater productions and cabaret performances, along with main stage productions on two stages.
- Sound Sensation, the Roadside Theater Show Choir, is an ongoing performance group and is open to everyone. Sound Sensation presents a wide variety of music from Broadway to pop, from Rock and Roll to Walt Disney. Open auditions are held throughout the year and the group rehearses twice a month. Concerts are presented throughout the Community at unit functions and special events.
- The Roadside Theater also hosts the annual US Army Europe Entertainment Festival of One Act Plays and the IMCOM-Europe Tournament of Plays Awards Event.
Roadside Theater productions have consistently won awards at regional, national and international competitions and festivals. We competed in the U.S. National AACT Festival in 2001 and 2005.
Roadside productions have also participated in international festivals in Scotland, Ireland and Nova Scotia. We presented the World American Community Theater Premieres of LES MISERABLES, WIT and IN THE BEGINNING and the European Premieres of THE WILL ROGERS FOLLIES, PUTTING IT TOGETHER, THE GOODBYE GIRL, SUBURB The Musical and two works by Tennessee Williams.
The Roadside Theater was selected from Entertainment Branches world-wide (including the US, Korea, Italy, Turkey, Belgium & Germany) and named the 2006 Best Entertainment Program.
OUR STAFF
The Roadside Theater is a volunteer participant-driven program and operated by the participants with the supervision, professional guidance and support of the paid staff.
Some participants become volunteer staff members as selected by
the Entertainment Branch Director.
Our Four Full-time Staff Members:
Dane Winters - Heidelberg Entertainment Director & Director of the Roadside Theater
Andrew Meredith - Mannheim Entertainment Director & Director of the Off Main Street Theater, Coleman Barracks, Mannheim
Sandy Everett - Theater Specialist
Dan Sonju - Box Office and Front of House Manager and Administrative Assistant
Our Current Roadside Volunteer Staff:
Brian Rausch - Assistant Technical Director
Michiel DeVito - Costume Mistress
Elfi Carberry - Costume Mistress
Sandy Sapatka - Costume Mistress
Sue Leibfried - Director, Roadside Theater Show Choir
Jennifer Quilty - Musical Director, Roadside Theater Show Choir
Steven Stanfill - Choreographer, Show Choir
Arianna Heck - Choreographer, Show Choir
Chris Pancake & Regina Rosenberger - Web Masters
LTC Paul Kennedy - Theater Medical Advisor
For more information,
contact us.
